The long anticipated day of emancipation has come. This is your child's first day of school. There are butterflies in your stomach, and tears, perhaps in your child's eyes. He/she is clinging to you like you are a vine. This is the typical case. Gentle teachers are coaxing the first time students to an area in the room
where they can take off their wraps and play with some smiling toys. Sometimes it works, sometimes, it doesn't.

The first day of school for any child is challenging. Despite all of the prepping,
and explanations, the child is in a new environment, with new people, and he/she is knowledgeable that some adjustments are being made. Parents may mitigate some of the trauma by remaining in the new setting with the child for a while, assuring the child that everything will be alright, and that at the end of the day, they will
reunite and go home. Actually, that is what the child wants to hear. (smile)

Some children are anxious to begin school. They have been told by their older siblings what a wonderful experience it will be. These children take the change somewhat better than others, however, they still suffer slightly from not being at home. Children who have been in day cares practically all of their lives react like veterans. Children, however, whose moms have been their constant companions, might take more time to adjust, and in many cases, are more emotionally torn than others.

If the school has a warm and caring staff on hand to welcome the children, this, too, can be a plus. Name tags, special treats, even special prizes can serve as
lures to help the beginner feel comfortable. When children react violently on the first day, it may be a sign that he/she is not ready for such a setting, or that he/she may need more transitional time. During a transitional period, the parent
can come in and stay for an hour or two and participate with the child. This can be done for a week or so, or until the child demonstrates that he/she is no longer in need of the parent's presence in the new environment.

Emotions run high on your child's first day of school - both ways. This is a first, and believe me, there will be many more firsts. Communicating to your child how school can be fun, and allowing your child to give you feedback, will also be beneficial. Letting children know you are concerned about them wherever they are,
and even giving a call to the classroom to check on them, can be reassuring. When children know parents are "with them in spirit", they will do all be more prone to show you that they can make you proud. When they can say, "Goodbye, Mom",
or "Goodbye, Dad," without tears, then you will know the transition has been a successful one.

Learn more about this author, Toni Doswell.
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